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is because all the colleges rely on the government’s estimate of the family’s ability to pay, an estimate that is often viewed as unrealistic by professionals in the field. Through the Next Step Program, Headwaters seeks to help close the gap so that no local student who works hard and excels is prevented from attending college or trade school by their family’s financial situation. Due to the generosity of the local community, three new scholarship funds have recently been established. Applicants for these scholarship funds are chosen by a committee of the Next Step Board. In the double-blind selection process, all identifying information is removed from students’ applications, so that decisions are made solely based on financial information, academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and essays. (Of course, if a family member is applying for scholarships, the Board member will not participate in the selection process.)
At Saturday’s meeting, Board members were repeatedly amazed and moved by the students’ essays and by how hard they had worked to succeed, to help their families and contribute to their community, and to earn money for college. Some had taken file SAT test four or fives times to increase their scores. Some had worked two jobs while taking challenging course loads and volunteering in the community. The decisions were difficult, and the members were grateful to have
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